Mike Matheson’s journey in both his professional and personal life is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for hockey
From his early days as a young player in Quebec to his collegiate career at Boston College and his rise to prominence in the NHL, Matheson has continually proven himself as a top-tier defenseman.
Following his success in junior hockey, Matheson committed to playing collegiate hockey at Boston College, one of the most prestigious hockey programs in the United States.
From 2012 to 2015, he developed his skills under the guidance of legendary coach Jerry York. Playing as a defenseman, Matheson quickly stood out for his combination of smooth skating, strong puck-handling abilities, and solid defensive play.
During his time at Boston College, Matheson played a key role in the Eagles’ defensive corps, earning several accolades, including Hockey East All-Rookie Team honors.
In his sophomore year, he helped the team reach the Frozen Four of the NCAA Tournament, showcasing his talents on a national stage. His performances at the college level further solidified his status as a top NHL prospect.
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Table of Contents
Michael Matheson: Bio
A Journey to NHL Stardom
Michael Matheson is a prominent Canadian professional ice hockey player, currently serving as a defenceman and alternate captain for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL).1
His journey to the professional stage has been defined by hard work, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth both on and off the ice.
Selected 23rd overall by the Florida Panthers in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft, Matheson has played for multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, before finding his current home in Montreal.
Thank you to all those who have donated! 9K and counting! @UNICEFUSA https://t.co/EYwKyOOOcb pic.twitter.com/DweHxHKwS6
— Mike Matheson (@mmatheson19) October 1, 2019
Youth Beginnings in Quebec
Born on February 27, 1994, in Pointe-Claire, Quebec, Michael Matheson’s early love for hockey was evident.
He participated in the 2006 and 2007 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments, representing a team from the West Island.
These tournaments are renowned for showcasing young talent, and for Matheson, they were a stepping stone to greater opportunities in the sport.
Matheson’s passion for the game began at a young age, and his formative years in the Quebec hockey scene laid a solid foundation.
He quickly demonstrated natural skill and leadership potential, attributes that would follow him throughout his career. By his mid-teens, it was clear that he was destined for higher levels of competition.
Transition to Midget AAA
After gaining experience in youth hockey, Matheson continued his development in the highly competitive Quebec Midget AAA League (QMAAA) with the Lac St. Louis Lions from 2009 to 2011.
This level of play is often regarded as a key developmental stage for many future NHL players, and Matheson thrived in this environment.
His performances with the Lions, where he developed both offensively and defensively, attracted significant attention from scouts and major junior teams.
Michael Matheson: Career
Success in the United States Hockey League (USHL)
In pursuit of further development, Matheson made a bold decision to move to the United States.2
He joined the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League (USHL) for the 2011–12 season, a critical move that would shape his career trajectory.
The USHL is the top junior league in the United States, and Matheson quickly became one of the league’s standout players. He led all defencemen in scoring that season, which increased his draft stock and solidified his status as a top prospect.
Choosing the NCAA Over Major Junior
Instead of continuing in the Canadian major junior system, Matheson committed to playing collegiate hockey in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), joining the Boston College Eagles for the 2012–13 season.
This decision was somewhat unconventional for a top Canadian prospect, as many players opt for the Canadian Hockey League (CHL) as their path to the NHL.
However, Matheson saw the NCAA as an opportunity to further develop both his game and his academic career.
In interviews, Matheson has stated that his decision to leave Quebec for the USHL and NCAA was motivated by his desire to grow as a player.
The NCAA’s focus on physical development, combined with a rigorous schedule of games, gave him the opportunity to work on his skills while competing against high-caliber opponents.
Michael Matheson: Training
Michael Matheson shared his offseason training video on his social media handle and his favorite parts of gym.
View this post on Instagram
Collegiate Career at Boston College
Matheson’s freshman season at Boston College was a resounding success. His play earned him a spot on the Hockey East All-Rookie Team, a testament to his immediate impact on the ice.
His ability to transition the puck, combined with his strong skating and offensive awareness, set him apart as one of the most promising young defencemen in college hockey.
Boston College, one of the NCAA’s most storied hockey programs, provided Matheson with the perfect environment to refine his skills. He was surrounded by talented teammates and faced tough competition on a nightly basis, which helped accelerate his growth as a player.
Earning Honors and Team Leadership
Matheson’s sophomore season saw him take another leap forward. He was named to the Hockey East All-First Team, a prestigious honor that recognized his excellence at both ends of the ice.
Additionally, he received All-Second Team East honors from the American Hockey Coaches Association (AHCA), further underscoring his standing as one of the top collegiate players in the country.
On May 8, 2014, Matheson was named team captain of the Boston College Eagles, a role that reflected his leadership qualities both on and off the ice. His teammates and coaches alike praised him for his work ethic, dedication, and ability to inspire those around him.
Decision to Stay for Junior Year
Despite rumors that Matheson would leave college to join the NHL after his sophomore season, he decided to remain at Boston College for his junior year.
This decision surprised many, as Matheson was already highly regarded by the Florida Panthers, the team that had drafted him in the first round. However, Matheson felt that one more year of college hockey would help him further mature as a player.
This choice paid off, as Matheson continued to dominate the collegiate ranks during the 2014-15 season. His experience as team captain helped him develop a greater sense of responsibility, which would serve him well in his future professional career.
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Michael Matheson: Personal Life
Meeting Emily Pfalzer: A Love Story Born at Boston College
Mike Matheson’s personal life took an important turn during his time at Boston College, where he met fellow student-athlete Emily Pfalzer.3
Emily, a talented ice hockey player in her own right, was also pursuing her athletic dreams at the college. She played for the Boston College women’s hockey team and, like Matheson, went on to enjoy a successful career at the highest levels of the sport.
The couple’s shared love for hockey provided the foundation for their relationship, as they bonded over their mutual experiences as college athletes and their passion for the game.
Both Matheson and Pfalzer were highly dedicated to their respective careers, but they found time to support one another throughout the demands of college life and competitive hockey.
Emily Pfalzer: Olympic Gold Medalist and Professional Career
Emily Pfalzer’s achievements in the world of hockey are nothing short of remarkable. After excelling at Boston College, she went on to have a successful career as a professional ice hockey player.
Pfalzer played in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) for the Buffalo Beauts and was a key contributor to the team’s success.
In addition to her professional career, Pfalzer represented the United States on the international stage, competing in multiple World Championships and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
It was at the 2018 Olympics that Pfalzer achieved one of the pinnacle moments of her career, winning a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team. Her accomplishment further cemented her status as one of the top female hockey players in the world.
Michael Matheson: Children
Welcoming Their Children
After several years of dating, Matheson and Pfalzer got engaged in the summer of 2018. Their relationship had grown stronger as they supported each other’s careers and pursued their dreams on and off the ice.
The engagement was a significant moment in their lives, as they looked forward to building a future together.
On July 20, 2019, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony attended by family, friends, and fellow hockey players.
The wedding was a joyous celebration of their love and commitment to each other, and it marked the beginning of their life as a married couple. Both Matheson and Pfalzer continued to balance their professional hockey careers while building a home together.
Parenthood
In 2021, Matheson and Pfalzer became parents for the first time with the birth of their son, Hudson.
The arrival of their child was a life-changing moment for the couple, as they embraced their roles as parents while continuing to navigate their demanding careers.
Despite the challenges of balancing family life with professional obligations, Matheson and Pfalzer prioritized their family and worked together to create a nurturing environment for their son.
Three years later, in 2024, the couple welcomed their second child, a daughter named Mila. The addition of a new member to their family brought even more joy and fulfillment to Matheson and Pfalzer’s lives.
As parents of two young children, they continue to manage their careers while dedicating time and attention to raising their family.
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